The iris is a delicate and dynamic tissue that can inadvertently be aspirated into our phaco probe or irrigation/aspiration probe during cataract surgery. It is relatively common and it has happened to every cataract surgeon. Most times, the effect is minimal, especially if it is with the I/A probe and the tissue is quickly released. However, with the phaco probe, application of ultrasonic energy into the iris stroma can quickly result is iatrogenic damage. This case reviews the issues with inadvertent iris aspiration and gives some good pointers for our new surgeons in order to minimize this complication.
